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(Dayton Daily News (OH) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 17--The new Apple store at The Greene is a hit even before it opens.

Local Mac, IPad and IPhone enthusiasts had filled five out of the six free workshops scheduled for the new store's first week by Thursday, two days before the new Apple store unlocks its doors for opening day.

The Dayton area's first corporate-owned Apple retail store at 51 Plum St. in The Greene will open its doors at 10 a.m. Saturday. The store employs more than 60 people and will have 125 products on display that customers can try out on the spot. What Apple calls its "Genius Bar" will offer free advice and hands-on technical support from Apple employees who "can troubleshoot problems and perform repairs right in the store," according to an email Apple sent to Dayton-area customers.

The anticipation for the store's opening has "not been typical," said Steve Willshaw, general manager of The Greene. Shoppers and Apple enthusiasts have inquired about the new store by phone, by email and in person at The Greene's guest services office.

"It's been an incredible response," Willshaw said.

"I think it's the popularity of the brand worldwide," Willshaw said. "They do such a good job of marketing themselves that there is always a lot of anticipation whenever they unveil a new product, and that carries over to their new stores as well."
The first 1,000 customers on Saturday morning will score a free T-shirt.

The new store's hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

There are six Apple stores in Ohio, including one at the Kenwood Towne Center in Cincinnati and two in the Columbus area.